Dance as therapy: An investigation of available evidence in the field of Dance/Movement Therapy, and plausible mechanisms behind potential effects

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Abstract

Several different treatment interventions use physical movement
in order to enhance mental health. Among these is
Dance/Movement Therapy. In this form of treatment, dance is
used as a tool to integrate physical, cognitive, and emotional
experiences. In this paper, questions are raised about whether
Dance/Movement Therapy has any effect, and if so, for
whom it has what effect, and what the underlying mechanisms
may be. Loosely defined concepts and associations to non-
scientific methods make the field rather bewildering.
Nevertheless, this paper attempts to evaluate research in order
to answer the questions mentioned above. Due to
methodological flaws in many of the studies, no absolute
conclusions can be drawn. Still, results from the reviewed
research suggest that Dance/Movement Therapy might
contribute to reduce anxiety and depression, enhance some
aspects of physical function in certain patient groups, and
possibly increase cognitive functioning among the elderly.
Evidence of other effects, for instance on psychotic disorders
and mental disorders among children, is not found. Various
theoretical assumptions regarding underlying mechanisms are
claimed among the practitioners of Dance/Movement Therapy,
but minimal research is done to test these out. Despite this,
possible underlying mechanisms are presented in the discussion,
where the importance of more knowledge in this area is
emphasized. In particular, more adaptive affect regulation is
discussed as a possible mechanism through which dance therapy
may enhance health.